ARTICLE II DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES (EXPLANATION)

                           
PRINCIPLES

    SECTION  1

1. The Philippines, a democratic and republican state
2. A republican government is a democratic government by representatives chosen by the people at large.The essence therefore, of a republican state is indirect rule.
3. 
   
4. The Philippines, a democratic and republican state. It embodies some features of a pure or direct democracy such as initiative, referendum, and recall.
5. The existence of a bill of right.The observance of the rule of majority. The observance of the principle that ours is a government of laws, and not of men.The presence of election through popular will. The observance of the principle of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances.Manifestations of a democratic and republican state.
6. Manifestations of a democratic and republican state. The observance of the principle that the legislation cannot pass irrepealable laws. The observance of the law on public officers.The observance of the principle that the State cannot be sued without its consent.
7. Sovereignty implies the supreme authority to govern, thus the Filipino people, being sovereign people have the right to constitute their own government, to change it, and define its jurisdiction and powers.Exercised indirectly through public officials.Exercised directly through suffrage.Manifestations of a democratic and republican state
8.  Section1 above impliedly recognizes that the people, as the ultimate judges of their destiny, can resort to revolution as a matter of right.A provision in the Constitution, however, expressly recognizing the people’s right to revolt against an oppressive or tyrannical government is not necessary and proper Right of the people to revolt.
9. 
   
10.  Section 2 
11. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.
12. 
    
13. With the conflict in the claim of Spratleys intensifying, China decided to launch an all out attack to the Philippines. Can the Philippines engage in war?
14. The declaration refers only to the renunciation by the Philippines of aggressive war, not a war in defense of her national honor and integrity. Thus, when provoked and attacked the Philippines can retaliate and engage into war.Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy
15. Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our International law refers to the body of rules and principles which governs the relations of nations and their respective peoples in their intercourse with one another
16. Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our law. The doctrine of incorporation is the automatic adoption of international law as part of the law of the Philippines.
17. The Philippines seeks only peace and friendship with her neighbors and all countries of the world, regardless of race, creed, ideology, and political system, on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.Adherence to the policy of peace, etc., with all nations
18. 
    
19. Section 3. 
20. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
21. Supremacy of civilian authority over the military inherent in a republican system safeguard against military dictatorship
22. .The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service the foremost duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The government exist for the people and not the people for the government.Prime duty of the Government
23. Defense of the State by the people against foreign aggression the government may call upon the people to defend the State.For self-preservation and to defend its territorial honor and integrity, the Philippines can engage in a defensive war.The defense of the State is one of the duties of a citizen.
24. 
    
25. Section 4
26. Defense of the State performed through an army Compulsory Personal By law Military and civil service by the people.
27. The term refers to any service for the defense of the State other than as soldiers, like as workers in munition factories.Meaning of “civil service”
28. 
    
29. Section 5. 
30. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. 
31. Only when peace and order, security, and a life of dignity are established and maintained, will political stability and economic prosperity become attainable and the people truly enjoy the “blessings of independence and democracy.Maintenance of peace and order, etc.
32. 
    
33. Section 6. 
34. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
35. Principle of separation of the church and State.The principle simply means that the Church is not to interfere in purely political matters or temporal aspects of man’s life and the State, in purely matters of religion and morals, which are the exclusive concerns of the other.
36. The State shall have no official religionThe State cannot set up a church, whether or not supported with funds; nor aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.Every person is free to profess belief or disbelief in any religion.Meaning of “establishment of religion clause.
37. Every religious minister is free to practice his calling;The State cannot punish a person for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs.Meaning of “establishment of religion clause.”
38. Preamble – The command that Church and State be separate is not to be interpreted to mean hostility to religion.Other provisions/lawsOur Constitution and laws exempt from taxation, properties devoted exclusively to religious purposes;No hostility towards religion
39. The use of public money or property is not prohibited when a priest, preacher, minister, or dignitary as such is assigned to the armed forces, or to any penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium;Optional religious instruction in public elementary and high school is by constitutional mandate allowed.No hostility towards religion
40. Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, Christmas Day and Sundays are made legal holidays because of the idea that their observance is conducive to beneficial moral results; andThe law punishes polygamy and bigamy, and certain crimes against worship are considered crimes against the fundamental laws of the State.No hostility towards religion
41. 
    
42. Section 7.
43.  The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self- determination.
44. Foreign policy is a set of guideline followed by a government of a country in order to promote its national interest through the conduct of its relations with other countries.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
45. Formulation and conduct of foreign policy. The president formulates our foreign policy principally with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs.An instrument of domestic policy. Foreign policy is but a reflection and an instrument of domestic policy, the former being dictated by the latter. They are not only mutually consistent but complementary.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
46. Pursuit of an independent foreign policy.An independent foreign policy means one that is not subordinate or subject to nor dependent upon the support of another government.An independent foreign policy, however, it is not one that completely rejects advice or assistance from without.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
47. In general , our basic foreign policy objective is to establish friendly relations with all countries of the world regardless of race, religion, ideology and social system and to promote as much beneficial relationship with them particularly in economic and trade activities.Foreign Policy of the Philippines
48. Paramount consideration. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration of the Philippines shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.Foreign Policy of the Philippines.
49. 
    
50.  Section 8. 
51. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory. 
52. 
    
53. Section 9.
54.  The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. 
55. Policies necessary to be pursued – adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.Just and dynamic social order Solving the problem of mass poverty – The goal is to reduce that political and economic power of privileged few by equalizing widely differing standards and opportunities for advancement and raise the masses of our people from a life of misery and deprivation to a qualitative life worthy of human dignity and respect.Just and dynamic social order.
56. 
    
57. Section 10
58.  The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.In the fulfillment of this duty, the State must give preferential attention to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, those who have less in life
59. 
    
60.  Section 11
61. . The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. 
62. 
    
63. The individual enjoy certain rights which cannot be modified or taken away by the lawmaking body.These rights are protected or guaranteed because of the belief in the inherent dignity and basic moral worth of every human person<br />Human dignity and human rights..the human person is the end of every social organization…<br />The value accorded to human dignity is measured by the extent of respect for human rights, principally the rights to life, liberty , and property Human dignity and human rights
64. 
    
65. Section 12
66.  The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. 
67. 
    
68. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.
69. .
70. Section 13
71. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. 
72. 
    
73. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
74. 
    
75. Section 14. 
76. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
77. 
    
78. Filipino women are noted to have low participation at all levels. The Civil Service Commission reported that few women candidates - who ran for public office - succeeded in securing public posts. In 2004, the average proportion of women in key elected posts was no more than 17%. The dismal performance of women in the 2004 elections registered a sharp drop after an increasing trend beginning 1995.

1. 
   
2. Section 15. 
3. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. 

        The state shall oblige its self to promote and protect the right of the people to health by instilling             health consciousness among the people.

1.  Section 16. 
2. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
3. 
   
4.  The state shall promote and protect the rights of the people about a balanced and healthful environment.
5. 
   
6. Section 17.
7.  The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. 

     The state shall provide education to all citizens to have a general and broader understanding about       knowledge.

1. Section 18. 
2. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

     In this provision, the state protects the rights of each and every workers.

1. 
   
2. Section 19
3. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

        It states that the constitutional guidelines in the development of the economy: economic self-          reliance,independent national economy, and effective Filipino control of the economy.

1.  
2. Section 20. 
3. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.
4. 
   
5.  The state is mandated to encourage private enterprise and to provide incentives to needed investments,whether local or foreign
6. 
   
7. Section 21. 
8. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.
9. 
   
10.  The state must develop rural and agrarian reform for the benefits of the country
11. 
    
12. Section 22. 
13. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development. 

               The provision also directs the State to promote their rights within the framework of national unity                and development

1. 
   
2. Section 23.
3. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based,orsectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
4. 
   
5. The state is required to encourage these organizations because recent events have shown that, under responsible leadership, they can be active contributors to the political, social, and economic growth of the country
6. 
   
7. Section 24. 
8. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building. 

The state must keep abreast of communication innovations but at the same time be selective and discriminating to insure that only those ³suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation´ areadapted

1. 
   
2. Section 25. 
3. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

       Local affairs can best be regulated by the people in the locality.

1. 
   
2. Section 26. 
3. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. 

            This does not allow the existence of political dynasties or the practice of keeping political power       within the control of select families

1. 
   
2. Section 27.
3.  The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.

                   Honesty and integrity in public service  Undermines the quality of life for people especially          in poor qualities The constitution seeks to minimize and find completely to eliminate graft and          corruption, a way to attack problem.

1. 
   
2. Section 28.
3.  Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

       The Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy      of full public disclosure of all its transactions involvingpublic interests. • Section 7 of the Bill of Rights       Guarantees the people’s right to know any transaction entered into by the government.  Limited         to things which involves public concerns .

ARTICLE XVIII

Transitory Provisions

SECTION 1. The first elections of Members of the Congress under this Constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1987.

The first local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the President, which may be simultaneous with the election of the Members of the Congress. It shall include the election of all Members of the city or municipal councils in the Metropolitan Manila area.

SECTION 2. The Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and the local officials first elected under this Constitution shall serve until noon of June 30, 1992.

Of the Senators elected in the election of 1992, the first twelve obtaining the highest number of votes shall serve for six years and the remaining twelve for three years.

SECTION 3. All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, letters of instructions, and other executive issuances not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain operative until amended, repealed, or revoked.

SECTION 4. All existing treaties or international agreements which have not been ratified shall not be renewed or extended without the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.

SECTION 5. The six-year term of the incumbent President and Vice-President elected in the February 7, 1986 election is, for purposes of synchronization of elections, hereby extended to noon of June 30, 1992.

The first regular elections for the President and Vice-President under this Constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 1992.

SECTION 6. The incumbent President shall continue to exercise legislative powers until the first Congress is convened.

SECTION 7. Until a law is passed, the President may fill by appointment from a list of nominees by the respective sectors the seats reserved for sectoral representation in paragraph (2), Section 5 of Article VI of this Constitution.

SECTION 8. Until otherwise provided by the Congress, the President may constitute the Metropolitan Authority to be composed of the heads of all local government units comprising the Metropolitan Manila area.

SECTION 9. A sub-province shall continue to exist and operate until it is converted into a regular province or until its component municipalities are reverted to the mother province.

SECTION 10. All courts existing at the time of the ratification of this Constitution shall continue to exercise their jurisdiction, until otherwise provided by law. The provisions of the existing Rules of Court, judiciary acts, and procedural laws not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain operative unless amended or repealed by the Supreme Court or the Congress.

SECTION 11. The incumbent Members of the Judiciary shall continue in office until they reach the age of seventy years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office or are removed for cause.

SECTION 12. The Supreme Court shall, within one year after the ratification of this Constitution, adopt a systematic plan to expedite the decision or resolution of cases or matters pending in the Supreme Court or the lower courts prior to the effectivity of this Constitution. A similar plan shall be adopted for all special courts and quasi-judicial bodies.

SECTION 13. The legal effect of the lapse, before the ratification of this Constitution, of the applicable period for the decision or resolution of the cases or matters submitted for adjudication by the courts, shall be determined by the Supreme Court as soon as practicable.

SECTION 14. The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4), Section 15 of Article VIII of this Constitution shall apply to cases or matters filed before the ratification of this Constitution, when the applicable period lapses after such ratification.

SECTION 15. The incumbent Members of the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections, and the Commission on Audit shall continue in office for one year after the ratification of this Constitution, unless they are sooner removed for cause or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office or appointed to a new term thereunder. In no case shall any Member serve longer than seven years including service before the ratification of this Constitution.

SECTION 16. Career civil service employees separated from the service not for cause but as a result of the reorganization pursuant to Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 and the reorganization following the ratification of this Constitution shall be entitled to appropriate separation pay and to retirement and other benefits accruing to them under the laws of general application in force at the time of their separation. In lieu thereof, at the option of the employees, they may be considered for employment in the Government or in any of its subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries. This provision also applies to career officers whose resignation, tendered in line with the existing policy, had been accepted.

SECTION 17. Until the Congress provides otherwise, the President shall receive an annual salary of three hundred thousand pesos; the Vice-President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, two hundred forty thousand pesos each; the Senators, the Members of the House of Representatives, the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and the Chairmen of the Constitutional Commissions, two hundred four thousand pesos each; and the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, one hundred eighty thousand pesos each.

SECTION 18. At the earliest possible time, the Government shall increase the salary scales of the other officials and employees of the National Government.

SECTION 19. All properties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities, and other assets of any office or body abolished or reorganized under Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 or this Constitution shall be transferred to the office or body to which its powers, functions, and responsibilities substantially pertain.

SECTION 20. The first Congress shall give priority to the determination of the period for the full implementation of free public secondary education.

SECTION 21. The Congress shall provide efficacious procedures and adequate remedies for the reversion to the State of all lands of the public domain and real rights connected therewith which were acquired in violation of the Constitution or the public land laws, or through corrupt practices. No transfer or disposition of such lands or real rights shall be allowed until after the lapse of one year from the ratification of this Constitution.

SECTION 22. At the earliest possible time, the Government shall expropriate idle or abandoned agricultural lands as may be defined by law, for distribution to the beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program.

SECTION 23. Advertising entities affected by paragraph (2), Section 11 of Article XVI of this Constitution shall have five years from its ratification to comply on a graduated and proportionate basis with the minimum Filipino ownership requirement therein.

SECTION 24. Private armies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority shall be dismantled. All paramilitary forces including Civilian Home Defense Forces not consistent with the citizen armed force established in this Constitution, shall be dissolved or, where appropriate, converted into the regular force.

SECTION 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning Military Bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.

SECTION 26. The authority to issue sequestration or freeze orders under Proclamation No. 3 dated March 25, 1986 in relation to the recovery of ill-gotten wealth shall remain operative for not more than eighteen months after the ratification of this Constitution. However, in the national interest, as certified by the President, the Congress may extend said period.

A sequestration or freeze order shall be issued only upon showing of a prima facie case. The order and the list of the sequestered or frozen properties shall forthwith be registered with the proper court. For orders issued before the ratification of this Constitution, the corresponding judicial action or proceeding shall be filed within six months from its ratification. For those issued after such ratification, the judicial action or proceeding shall be commenced within six months from the issuance thereof.

The sequestration or freeze order is deemed automatically lifted if no judicial action or proceeding is commenced as herein provided.

SECTION 27. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite held for the purpose and shall supersede all previous Constitutions.

Ratified: February 2, 1987

ARTICLE XVII

Amendments or Revisions

SECTION 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by:

(1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or

(2) A constitutional convention.

SECTION 2. Amendments to this Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters therein. No amendment under this section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification of this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter.

The Congress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this right.

SECTION 3. The Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of all its Members, call a constitutional convention, or by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate the question of calling such a convention.

SECTION 4. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the approval of such amendment or revision.

Any amendment under Section 2 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the certification by the Commission on Elections of the sufficiency of the petition.

ARTICLE XVI

General Provisions

SECTION 1. The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.

SECTION 2. The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum.

SECTION 3. The State may not be sued without its consent.

SECTION 4. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be composed of a citizen armed force which shall undergo military training and serve, as may be provided by law. It shall keep a regular force necessary for the security of the State.

SECTION 5. (1) All members of the armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend this Constitution.

(2) The State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of the military, and respect for people’s rights in the performance of their duty.

(3) Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State. The armed forces shall be insulated from partisan politics.

No member of the military shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity, except to vote.

(4) No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.

(5) Laws on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of their service.

(6) The officers and men of the regular force of the armed forces shall be recruited proportionately from all provinces and cities as far as practicable.

(7) The tour of duty of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces shall not exceed three years. However, in times of war or other national emergency declared by the Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.

SECTION 6. The State shall establish and maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be administered and controlled by a national police commission. The authority of local executives over the police units in their jurisdiction shall be provided by law.

SECTION 7. The State shall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits, and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans. Funds shall be provided therefor and due consideration shall be given them in the disposition of agricultural lands of the public domain and, in appropriate cases, in the utilization of natural resources.

SECTION 8. The State shall, from time to time, review to upgrade the pensions and other benefits due to retirees of both the government and the private sectors.

SECTION 9. The State shall protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or hazardous products.

SECTION 10. The State shall provide the policy environment for the full development of Filipino capability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation and the balanced flow of information into, out of, and across the country, in accordance with a policy that respects the freedom of speech and of the press.

SECTION 11. (1) The ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.

The Congress shall regulate or prohibit monopolies in commercial mass media when the public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition therein shall be allowed.

(2) The advertising industry is impressed with public interest, and shall be regulated by law for the protection of consumers and the promotion of the general welfare.

Only Filipino citizens or corporations or associations at least seventy per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens shall be allowed to engage in the advertising industry.

The participation of foreign investors in the governing body of entities in such industry shall be limited to their proportionate share in the capital thereof, and all the executive and managing officers of such entities must be citizens of the Philippines.

SECTION 12. The Congress may create a consultative body to advise the President on policies affecting indigenous cultural communities, the majority of the members of which shall come from such communities.

ARTICLE XV

The Family

SECTION 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.

SECTION 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State.

SECTION 3. The State shall defend:

(1) The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;

(2) The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development;

(3) The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and

(4) The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs that affect them.

SECTION 4. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through just programs of social security.

ARTICLE XIV

Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports

Education

SECTION 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

SECTION 2. The State shall:

(1) Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society;

(2) Establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels. Without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children, elementary education is compulsory for all children of school age;

(3) Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged;

(4) Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs; and

(5) Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.

SECTION 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula.

(2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.

(3) At the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in public elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to which the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the Government.

SECTION 4. (1) The State recognizes the complementary roles of public and private institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of all educational institutions.

(2) Educational institutions, other than those established by religious groups and mission boards, shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, however, require increased Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions.

The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in citizens of the Philippines.

No educational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens shall comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any school. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their dependents and, unless otherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.

(3) All revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. Upon the dissolution or cessation of the corporate existence of such institutions, their assets shall be disposed of in the manner provided by law.

Proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise be entitled to such exemptions subject to the limitations provided by law including restrictions on dividends and provisions for reinvestment.

(4) Subject to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from tax.

SECTION 5. (1) The State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and conditions and shall encourage local planning in the development of educational policies and programs.

(2) Academic freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.

(3) Every citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject to fair, reasonable, and equitable admission and academic requirements.

(4) The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement. Non-teaching academic and non-academic personnel shall enjoy the protection of the State.

(5) The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Language

SECTION 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.

Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.

SECTION 7. For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein.

Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.

SECTION 8. This Constitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be translated into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.

SECTION 9. The Congress shall establish a national language commission composed of representatives of various regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.

Science and Technology

SECTION 10. Science and technology are essential for national development and progress. The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s productive systems and national life.

SECTION 11. The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, to encourage private participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to deserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and specially gifted citizens.

SECTION 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from all sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation of private groups, local governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology.

SECTION 13. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such period as may be provided by law.

Arts and Culture

SECTION 14. The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression.

SECTION 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.

SECTION 16. All the country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition.

SECTION 17. The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies.

SECTION 18. (1) The State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants and other incentives, and community cultural centers, and other public venues.

(2) The State shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and culture.

Sports

SECTION 19. (1) The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.

(2) All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors.